Political parties should seek to recruit qualified women as candidates. They should do so because women are electable and make good policymakers and leaders, not to reach an artificial goal of gender "parity" among elected officials.

Women wield tremendous political power in our democratic process, by exercising the right to vote (women cast 54% of ballots in 2004), working in government and holding public office at all levels. While women represent a minority of elected positions, Clinton, Pelosi, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and many others have demonstrated that women can reach the heights of political power. And women continue to assume roles once exclusively held by men.

Yet there is no reason to expect men and women to be equally represented in elected office. Research indicates women are less interested in the process of running for and holding office, and they have other preferences for how to use their time and talents. Those fixated on achieving "gender parity" - whether it's in the halls of Congress, university science departments or in day care centers - want to discount men's and women's stated interests and preferences, which frequently diverge. But we should not assume that individuals are routinely mistaken about what careers give them fulfillment.

The modern campaign process requires long hours under intense media scrutiny. Unwise restrictions on fundraising make it necessary for candidates to seek new sources of money continuously. Fewer women than men are willing to undertake these activities.

Yes, the public should question whether the political process is conducive to identifying and electing the best representatives - I doubt it is. The right reforms would encourage the participation of people who can best serve our country, regardless of gender.

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Modern Feminist

CAROLINE KITCHENS"[I]t’s a shame that feminists who claim to be all about empowering women are teaching young girls that they will always be victims and that the cards are stacked against them. I just don’t think that’s true in our society anymore, and we’re sending a horrible message to girls by teaching them to embrace victim status.”READ MORE >>>

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Independent Women’s Forum’s mission is to improve the lives of Americans by increasing the number of women who value free markets and personal liberty. Sister organization of Independent Women’s Voice.